Om Saha Navavatu

The shanti mantra Om Saha Navavatu appears at the beginning of the second chapter of the Taittiriya Upanishad, a scripture Baba Muktananda often quoted. This chapter, entitled “Ananda Valli” (the Section on Bliss), teaches about the realization of the supreme Self and how one can become established in this exalted state through dedicated study of teachings imparted by a true Guru.

On the Siddha Yoga path, this mantra is part of the invocation that Gurumayi Chidvilasananda and Baba Muktananda recite–often with all the participants in the satsang–before giving a formal talk. The mantra also appears at the conclusion of the recitation of the scriptural text Shri Rudram.

When we recite Om Saha Navavatu, we invoke blessings for the Guru-disciple relationship. In this prayer, we ask God to protect and nourish both the Guru and the disciple, as well as the sacred relationship between them. We ask for blessings so that our studies together as spiritual teacher and student may be inspired and harmonious and lead the student to spiritual liberation.

To bolster your study and contemplation of the Guru’s teachings, you are welcome to listen to and recite along with this audio recording of Om Saha Navavatu. The recitation is by Santosh Mudgal, a Brahmin priest from Vajreshwari, India, who has performed many sacred rites in both Gurudev Siddha Peeth and Shree Muktananda Ashram.